Raksha Bandhan 2024: Pistachio Mahalabia to Coconut Laddoo, easy recipes to surprise your brother!
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan on August 19, 2024, Chef Mokshda Dhingra has suggested some easy-to-make recipes at home to surprise your brother and add a personal touch to this special day.
![Raksha Bandhan 2024: Pistachio Mahalabia to Coconut Laddoo, easy recipes to surprise your brother! RKK](https://static-gi.asianetnews.com/images/01j55bck97369h0am20d29wse6/fotojet.jpg?impolicy=All_policy&im=Resize=(1200) )
As it's said, 'The way to win someone's heart is through their stomach' so this Raksha Bandhan, delight your brother with special homemade treats. Chef Mokshda Dhingra has suggested some easy-to-make recipes at home to surprise your brother and add a personal touch to this special day.
Apple Kheer Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 liter milk
- 2-3 medium-sized apples, grated
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- A few strands of saffron (optional)
- Raisins (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil the Milk
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
2. Add Sugar
- Once the milk has reduced slightly, add sugar and condensed milk (if using). Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently.
3. Incorporate the Apples
- Add the grated squeezed apples to the milk mixture. Stir well and let the kheer cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat.
4. Flavor the Kheer
- Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the kheer. Mix well.
5. Finish with Nuts and Raisins
- Garnish the kheer with chopped nuts and rai
Pistachio Mahalabia
Pistachio Mahalabia is a delicious and creamy Middle Eastern dessert that’s easy to make. Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon rose water (or orange blossom water)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/2 cup of cold milk, stirring until smooth and free of lumps.
2. Heat the Milk
- In a saucepan, combine the remaining 3 1/2 cups of milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is warm but not boiling.
3. Add the Cornstarch Slurry
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Cook the Mahalabia
- Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Flavor the Mahalabia
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rose water (or orange blossom water) and vanilla extract. Add the finely chopped pistachios and mix well.
6. Set the Dessert
- Pour the mixture into serving bowls or ramekins. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2-3 hours until fully set.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, garnish with crushed pistachios on top. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of dried rose petals for extra flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your Pistachio Mahalabia, a fragrant and creamy dessert!
Coconut laddoo
Here's a simple recipe for making coconut laddoo, a delicious Indian sweet:
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1 cup condensed milk/ Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- Chopped nuts (like almonds or cashews) for garnish (optional)
- Desiccated coconut for rolling (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat Ghee:
- In a pan, heat the ghee on medium heat.
2. Add Coconut:
- Add the grated coconut to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes. If using fresh coconut, sauté a bit longer to reduce the moisture content.
3. Add Condensed Milk/ Sugar:
- Pour the condensed milk/ sugar into the pan and mix well with the coconut. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously.
4. Cook the Mixture:
- Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, forming a mass. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
5. Add Cardamom Powder:
- Stir in the cardamom powder and mix well.
6. Shape the Laddoos:
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Grease your palms with a little ghee, take small portions of the mixture, and roll them into small, round laddoos.
7. Garnish:
- You can roll the laddoos in desiccated coconut for an extra layer of coconut flavor. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
8. Serve:
- Let the laddoos cool completely. Serve them fresh or store in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade coconut laddoos!
Marble cookies
Here's a simple recipe for delicious marble cookies:
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
5. Divide the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half. Add the cocoa powder to one-half of the dough and mix until fully incorporated. You can also add the chocolate chips to the cocoa dough if you want.
6. Marble the Dough:
- Take a small portion from the plain dough and a small portion from the cocoa dough, press them together lightly, and roll them into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake.
8. Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
- Enjoy your marble cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!
These cookies have a beautiful marbled appearance and a delightful mix of vanilla and chocolate flavors.